Hiring Practices That Attract and Land Top Candidates- Join HR Professionals October 10
Understanding the challenges job seekers face is critical. Learn the importance of using empathetic hiring strategies to attract and retain top candidates at the breakfast meeting of JSAHR (Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources), open to the public, on Thursday, October 10 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Jumping Brook Country Club, 210 Jumping Brook Road, Neptune.
Breakfast begins at 8:00 a.m.; followed by announcements at 8:30 a.m.; and the speaker Sam Gallucci, VP Northeast, Meridian Resources, at 9:00 a.m. The Career Transformation Group begins at 10:00 a.m.
Registration including breakfast is $40 for JSAHR members; $55 for non-members; $30 for each first-time guest and those in-transition; and $15 for students with a valid ID; Walk-in member is $50 and walk-in nonmember is $65. Registration is online at: http://jsahr.shrm.org/events or admin@jsahr.org or call JSAHR at 732-701-7155. The sponsor of this meeting is Meridian Resources.
Attendees will gain insights into the current job market from perspective of job seekers; learn about the impact of prolonged job searches and the new norm of job seeker fatigue; and discover effective strategies for enhancing the hiring process with clear communication.
JSAHR is a SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) affiliated chapter. This program is pending one (1) SHRM PDC and one (1) HRCI (Human Resource Certification Institute) recertification credit.
About Sam Gallucco E.d.D., SPHR: Sam Gallucci is an expert in the human resources consulting. He has served as the Vice President for Meridian Resources, Inc. since 2001, offering talent management solutions to corporate clients covering the full employee life cycle that includes new leader integration, developmental coaching, team building, outplacement, and retirement coaching.
Craig McGraw to Receive Team Walker Hero Award
For his achievements and his commitment to Team Walker, a non-profit that helps low income residents of Jersey City, Craig McGraw, Morganville, N.J., the vice president of sales and marketing for Trans American Trucking & Warehouse, South Plainfield, N.J., will receive The Hero Award at the Liberty House, 76 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City, on Thursday, October 10, at 6:00 p.m. Visit www.teamwalker.org for a link to the dinner.
Besides business, McGraw is devoted to community and charitable programs. McGraw serves on the board of Team Walker, a nonprofit that provides inner city children with a safe and secure environment to study and participate in athletics, surrounded by positive role models. Team Walker recently opened the Walker Skills and Development Center offering HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and carpentry for residents, aged 16-24.
By securing sponsors, donations, and running events, McGraw is also involved with the Thanksgiving Turkey Drive, Walk for Team Walker, Team Walker Golf Outing, the Opening Day Block Party, and the Evening of Dreams Gala.
McGraw serves on the Governing Committee of the Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association, and is a member of Forbes Business Development Council. He is a delegate for the NPDF (National Police Defense Foundation), which runs the Operation Kids charitable program that helps fund surgery for underprivileged children.
He served on the board of the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County for a number of years where he organized the annual “Occupy the Block” party for Freehold Borough that encouraged positive interaction between community children and the police.
McGraw’s other honors include being named one of the 2020 and 2015 “Forty Under 40” award winners by NJBIZ, a New Jersey business news publication. He also received the School of Arts & Science Good and Faithful Servant Award from Seton Hall University in 2018; and the Distinguished Member Award from the NPDF in 2019 for his work in organizing the Occupy the Block party. In 2022, McGraw was named “Marquis Who’s Who in America.” In 2024, McGraw was appointed to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for Marlboro Township.
For more information, visit www.teamwalker.org.
Photos Courtesy of Team Walker and the Asbury Park Press: Craig McGraw and Jerry Walker, the Co-founder and CEO of Team Walker; Headshot of Craig McGraw
Events for Fire Prevention Week October 6 through October 12, 2024
The Board of Fire Commissioners of Lakewood Fire District No. 1, Fire Chief Jonathan Yahr, Fire Prevention Specialist Sima Clapman, and the members of the Lakewood Fire Department have announced events for a Fire Prevention Day, Sunday, October 13, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., in Red Square, at 3rd Street and Clifton Avenue in downtown Lakewood.
This event includes interactive Fire Service demonstrations, Apparatus demonstrations, and Gift Bags with Fire Safety information.
The Lakewood Fire Department encourages all residents to actively support the 2024 Fire Prevention Week theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” “Working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a home fire, giving people the time to get out safely,” said Fire Prevention Specialist Sima Clapman. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is a great way to remind everyone about these messages and to act on them.”
The Lakewood Fire Department offers these key smoke alarm safety tips and guidelines:
• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.
• Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
On the Great Chicago Fire’s 40th anniversary, the former Fire Marshals Association of North America (now the International Fire Marshals Association, or IFMA) sponsored the first National Fire Prevention Day, advocating an annual observance as a way to keep the public informed about the importance of fire prevention. In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation, and since 1922, National Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the Sunday-through-Saturday period in which October 9 falls. In addition, the President of the United States has signed a proclamation pronouncing a national observance during that week every year since 1925 making Fire Prevention Week the oldest safety commemoration.
Dedicated to raising public awareness about the dangers of fire and how to prevent it, the National Fire Prevention Association, or NFPA is the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week. According to NFPA, smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (54 percent). Meanwhile, roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
“Smoke alarms serve as the first line of defense in a home fire, but they need to be working in order to protect people,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign helps better educate the public about simple but critical steps they can take to make sure their homes have smoke alarms in all the needed locations and that they’re working properly.”
To learn more about Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” visit www.fpw.org. Additional Fire Prevention Week resources for children, caregivers, and educators, visit www.sparky.org and www.sparkyschoolhouse.org. Visit the Lakewood Fire Department Website at www.lakewoodfd.org. for additional Fire Safety Information for parents, children and educators.
For more information, contact Sima Clapman, Fire Prevention Specialist, at 732-364-5151.
The history of Fire Prevention Week: The history of Fire Prevention Week has its roots in the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, but lasted 27 hours and incurred the most damage the following day. It remains one of the best-known fire disasters in the world. As a result, October 9, 1871, is the date most often connected with this tragic conflagration. In the end, the Great Chicago Fire killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2000 acres.
While the origin of the fire has never been determined, there has been much speculation over how it began. One popular legend was that Mrs. Catherine O’Leary was milking her cow when the animal kicked over a lamp, setting O’Leary’s barn on fire and starting the spectacular blaze. It is a less well-known fact that on the same day of the Great Chicago Fire, the Peshtigo Fire roared through Northern Wisconsin, killing 1,152 people, and burning more than a million acres.
Lakewood Fire Department and American Red Cross Team Up for Fire Safety
Volunteers from the American Red Cross, the Lakewood Fire Department, and the Lakewood Police Department joined forces in the Pine Acres neighborhood to enhance community safety through fire education and prevention on Sunday, September 22, 2024. Volunteers went door-to-door, teaching residents about fire safety and installing free smoke alarms.
According to Sima Clapman, Lakewood Fire Prevention Specialist, during this event a total of 241 smoke alarms were installed, helping to protect 114 families and making 467 residents safer d. This initiative is part of the nationwide Sound the Alarm campaign, which is a crucial component of the American Red Cross’s Home Fire Campaign, aimed at reducing deaths and injuries caused by home fires.
“Fire safety education and the installation of smoke alarms are vital steps in protecting our community,” said Lakewood Fire Chief Jonathan Yahr. “We are grateful for our partnership with the American Red Cross and the volunteers who dedicate their time to make Lakewood safer.”
The Home Fire Campaign focuses on raising awareness about fire prevention and ensuring that homes are equipped with working smoke alarms. With the installation of these alarms, families are significantly better prepared to respond in case of a fire emergency.
The Lakewood Fire Department and American Red Cross encourage all residents to check their smoke alarms regularly and to practice fire drills in their homes. For more information on fire safety or to learn how to get involved, visit www.Lakewoodfd.org or the American Red Cross https://www.redcross.org/local/new-jersey/about-us/our-work/home-fire-campaign.html.
Model Railroaders Fall Open House
The Ocean County Society of Model Railroaders, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, at 502 Country Club Road, Pine Park, Lakewood, N.J., is holding its Fall Open House, Saturday, October 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; and Sunday, October 27, Noon to 5:00 p.m. at the Lakewood Historical Museum also known as the Sheldon Wolpin Historical Museum. Admission is free but donations are always gladly accepted.
Visitors to the Open House will see both modern and traditional trains running continuously. Ted Bertiger, president of The Ocean County Society of Model Railroaders, said, “We will have trains running for all ages. Come see our train club in action!”
For more information, contact Ted Bertiger 732-688-1184 or at captnkraft@aol.com. Also visit https://ocsmr.com.
About The Ocean County Society of Model Railroaders: The Ocean County Society of Model Railroaders is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, open Tuesdays and Fridays from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m.
Holiday Tickets Available at Congregation B’nai Israel, Toms River
Congregation B’nai Israel, a Conservative Synagogue, 1488 Old Freehold Road, Toms River, N.J., is inviting Jewish individuals and families to be part of its Conservative congregation for the holidays. Join Rabbi Gershon and Cantor Yucht for services at Congregation B’nai Israel.
The first day of Rosh Hashanah services will be held Wednesday evening, October 2 at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, October 3, morning services begin at 8:45 a.m. and will end about 1:00 p.m.; and evening services begin at 6:00 p.m.
On the second day of Rosh Hashanah, Friday, October 4, morning services begin at 8:45 a.m. and will end about 1:00 p.m. Evening services for Shabbat Shuvah, Friday, October 4, will begin at 6:30 p.m.; and morning services will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 5.
The cost of tickets can be applied towards membership should anyone decide to join B’nai Israel. Tickets are required for adults 18 and over. Contact the synagogue office to purchase tickets or go to Congregation B’nai Israel’s website: https://www.cbitr.org.
Due to a reciprocity agreement among USCJ (Conservative) synagogues, anyone who is a member in good standing at a Conservative synagogue may request tickets for the High Holidays at another Conservative synagogue and those tickets are usually FREE. Proof of membership in good standing is required – please email Emilie Kovit for more information at ekovit@cbitr.org.
The cost of additional tickets: Member relatives living outside of Ocean and Monmouth counties (not applicable for former members), $54 per adult. 18 or older; Non-Members or non-relative guests of members living outside of Ocean and Monmouth counties, $118 a person; for an individual in the Greater Toms River Community, Ocean and Monmouth counties, $500 a person*; Military personnel and college students are FREE for the holidays but still require a ticket.
For more about Congregation B’nai Israel, visit https://www.cbitr.org. or call the synagogue office at 732 349-1244.
*Ticket Pricing: Non-member tickets for those living within Ocean and Monmouth counties cost more than for those living outside our area. Why you may ask? The reason is that we would like those in the area to JOIN CBI. So if you are in that situation, please contact the CBI office to see if membership makes better sense.
Sam Hernandez Named Forty Under 40 Rising Star by NJBIZ
In recognition as a future New Jersey leader, and in celebration of his achievements and potential, Samuel Hernandez, a Long Branch resident and Regional Sales Director for Trans American Trucking Service, Inc., South Plainfield, was recently honored as a 2024 NJBIZ Forty Under 40 Rising Star.
Hernandez supports Team Walker, a nonprofit that provides after-school programs for low-income children in Jersey City; and volunteers for its Turkey Drive, Toy Drive, and Walk for Team Walker events. He is also involved in the Freehold Borough Police Department Toy Drive, during which he collects toys for children in need and hands them out door to door.
In 2023, Hernandez received the Trans American Trucking Ambition Award of 2023 for his work ethic and willingness to learn and grow in the industry.
For more information, contact Hernandez at shernandez@transamer.com or call 908-601-7739.
Photo Credit: City Headshots NJ, Ho-Ho-Kus, N.J.
About Trans American Trucking & Warehouse: Established in 1976, Trans American, 115 St. Nicholas Avenue, South Plainfield, N.J., provides world-class transportation, warehousing, and import and export services across all 50 states and Canada. It specializes in over-the-road transportation of heavy and specialized freight, such as transformers for power distribution substations, turbine runners for hydroelectric dams, and massive pieces of custom-built industrial machinery.
The company was one of the first Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and Free and Secure Trade (FAST) certified carriers. Trans American workers hold the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). The company is a member in good standing of the Railway Industrial Clearance Association (RICA), the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA) and the NY/NJ Foreign Freight Forwarders and Brokers Association.
Visit www.transamer.com for more information or call Office: 908 755 9000
Chairlifts Have Been Installed at the Lakewood Museum
Individuals who cannot navigate the stairs at the Lakewood Historical Museum, Pine Park, now have a solution! Lakewood officials authorized the installation of a chairlift system from the basement to the 1st floor, and a second lift that goes from the 1st floor to the 2nd floor. Two independent chairlifts wrap around the wall continuously and both go up or down.
Both chairlifts, from Accessible Homes LLC, have a remote operating system that brings the lift to the user if it is at the other end. The Ocean County Society of Model Railroaders (OCSMR) have installed a remote at the top of the first floor and at the basement where the train club is located. Each remote is installed inside a box to bring the lift to the user.
Ted Bertiger, president of the OCSMR, said, “This is a huge benefit to our club that has members with advancing age. I would guess that 20 percent of the train club members have immediately benefitted with the lift system.”
Photos taken by Ted Bertiger
About the Lakewood Historical Museum: The Lakewood Historical Museum, Pine Park, Lakewood, N.J., is housed in Kuser Hall, a two-story, 16,000 square-foot former classroom building. Through the volunteer efforts of members in the Historical Society and the Heritage Commission, the first floor of Kuser Hall has been transformed into a showcase, featuring galleries of Lakewood memorabilia and artifacts. Funds are needed to restore the second floor of Kuser Hall, and to acquire and build an elevator.
Kuser Hall is the last remaining building of five that made up the Newman School, an exclusive preparatory boarding school for boys, which closed in 1942 as young men left for the war. The building, which the township acquired in 1964 through Green Acres Funding, was the math and science center of the school.
Professional Networking Breakfast, September 24
The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to a Professional Networking Breakfast at Harrogate, 400 Locust Street, on September 24 at 8:30 a.m. Kosher food is available upon request. Chamber members are free; the non-member price is $10.00.
Senator Robert Singer, 30th Legislative District, will make the introductions. The guest speaker is Justin Zimmerman, Acting Commissioner of the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance.
Sponsors of this meeting are The Lakewood Industrial Commission, New Jersey Natural Gas, and LCSC (the Lakewood Community Services Corporation).
To register and learn more about this program visit mylakewoodchamber.com or call 732-363-0012.
Flea Market at the Lakewood Museum This September
The Lakewood Historical Museum, 500 Country Club Drive, Lakewood Pine Park, Lakewood, N.J., is hosting a Flea Market, September 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Sheldon Wolpin Lakewood Historic Museum.
The cost is $10.00 per space and vendors must provide their own table.
To reserve a space or for more information call Robin Wellet at (732) 330-5384 or email Lakewoodhistoricalsociety1892@gmail.com. Donations are always appreciated.
About the Lakewood Historical Museum: The Lakewood Historical Museum, Pine Park, Lakewood, N.J., is housed in Kuser Hall, a two-story, 16,000 square-foot former classroom building. Through the volunteer efforts of members in the Historical Society and the Heritage Commission, the first floor of Kuser Hall has been transformed into a showcase, featuring galleries of Lakewood memorabilia and artifacts. Funds are needed to restore the second floor of Kuser Hall, and to acquire and build an elevator.
Kuser Hall is the last remaining building of five that made up the Newman School, an exclusive preparatory boarding school for boys, which closed in 1942 as young men left for the war. The building, which the township acquired in 1964 through Green Acres Funding, was the math and science center of the school.